With the introduction of
MetroCards on the SIR in 1997, onboard fare collection was eliminated. All fare
collection was handled at the St. George Ferry Terminal. As local ridership has
grown, the overall system revenue loss is now estimated at about $3.4 million
annually. As a result of a comprehensive analysis, a low turnstile, remotely
monitored and controlled system was recommended for the Tompkinsville Station.
As part of this project, the Hannah Street entrance/exit will be closed.

The installation of
turnstiles and cameras at one of the busiest stations on the line is expected
to bring in about $702,000 in annual revenue, which represents a 15-percent
increase in total SIR fare revenue. The new stationhouse will also provide a much-needed
sheltered waiting area for customers.

There is a closed circuit
television system and customer assistance intercoms to monitor the turnstile
area and provide an extra level of security for customers. The intercoms enable
customers to communicate with SIR employees who can assist them.

The MetroCard Automated
Fare Collection software has been modified so that customers boarding and
paying at Tompkinsville can ride the one stop to St. George and swipe out, but
they will still have their free transfer to use on a subway or bus when they
reach Manhattan. All morning and evening peak period local trains will now stop
at Stapleton and Tompkinsville stations thus increasing service to these
stations.

In another story, MTA NYC
Transit said that the Brighton Beach/Coney Island-bound platforms at Avenue U
and Neck Road reopened following rehabilitation. The Manhattan-bound platforms
at Neck Road and Avenue U closed for rehabilitation for approximately one year.